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Objective This report will discuss a new surgical technique for treating severe cases of macrocephaly in which the bony architecture is markedly distorted. The procedure relies on several novel surgical tools for its success that have not been previously applied to the treatment of this condition. It utilized the use of contraction osteogenesis devices, resorbable plating systems, and an age- and sex-matched computer-generated skull model, which was derived from a computed tomographic scan as a template for the new calvarium. Results In the case reported, combined use of these technologies allowed for the complete reconstruction of the calvarium down to the level of the cranial base to produce an appropriately sized skull. The skull model created a template onto which bony fragments could be placed and fixated into a normal shape using the resorbable plating system. The contraction osteogenesis devices then allowed for a slow, safe reduction of the hydrocephalus via a ventriculoperitoneal shunt over a period of several days. On completion of the contraction process, the devices served to fixate the calvarium to the cranial base during the period of bone healing. Conclusion The combination of these modalities represents a unique state-of-the-art method for the correction of severe macrocephaly without the risks of intracranial hemorrhage and provides a useful adjunct to the treatment of hydrocephalus.

Glass ionomer sealants are an alternative to resin-based sealants, especially for use in partially erupted permanent molars. The authors conducted a study to compare the retention, marginal staining and cariostatic properties of a glass ionomer sealant with those of a resin-based sealant during a 24-month period.We included in this study 39 patients aged 5 through 9 years who had bilateral partially erupted first permanent molars. One of us (S.B.) placed a resin-based sealant (Delton Plus FS+, Dentsply Professional, York, Pa.) (group D) on a partially erupted first molar in one quadrant of the maxilla or mandible and a glass ionomer sealant (GC Fuji Triage White, GC America, Alsip, Ill.) (group T) in the other quadrant. Two masked and calibrated investigators (S.A.A., J.C.) evaluated the sealants for retention, marginal staining and carious lesions at three, six, 12 and 24 months. The authors used a multinomial regression for statistical analysis (P.05).The recall rate was 69.2 percent at 24 months. Two sealants from group D and three from group T were lost completely. Complete retention rates at 24 months were 40.7 and 44.4 percent for groups D and T, respectively. The authors found no statistically significant difference in retention rates between groups at each recall examination (P.05). For marginal staining, sealants in the resin-based group exhibited statistically higher marginal staining than did sealants in the glass ionomer group (P.05). Although the authors detected no caries in teeth in group T, teeth in group D in which the sealant was lost completely experienced demineralization.Resin-based and glass ionomer sealants exhibited similar retention rates at 24 months. However, marginal staining was lower in the glass ionomer group, and the authors found no caries in teeth in this group. Consequently, glass ionomer sealants may be a better choice when salivary contamination is expected.Sealing during tooth eruption presents a particular challenge owing to difficulty in isolating the tooth. Glass ionomers may be a better material for sealing partially erupted molars.

Congenital microstomia in the newborn can result in poor functional and aesthetic outcomes. In the past, treatment options have included surgical methods such as commissurotomies and z-plasties as well as nonsurgical treatments using oral splints. In severe microstomia, a surgical release may be required to permit splint placement. Because of the small diameter of the stoma, such surgical releases are not optimal and frequently must be repeated. We devised a nonoperative technique for the initial treatment of congenital microstomia that will slowly enlarge the stomal diameter without the need for surgical release. The patient is a newborn male born with multiple congenital anomalies including severe mandibular hypoplasia and retrusion, microstomia, and microglossia. The size of his oral cavity was less than 1 cm at birth with no clinical signs of a tongue. After initial dilation in the operating room with Hagar dilators, the oral stoma was serially dilated using Boston Scientific esophageal balloons. Once full dilation was achieved, we fabricated oral splints to continue the dilation process while maintaining oral competence with no surgical intervention.

Hereditary Osteodystrophy, also called pseudohypoparathyroidism, Type 1A (PHP), is a very rare condition composed of a heterogeneous group of autosomal dominant disorders with the common feature of organ resistance to multiple hormones. These patients produce the right amount of hormones but there is resistance to its effect. PHP is difficult to diagnose and the lack of diagnosis may have serious implications for the patient. We report a case of PHP, diagnosed by the dentist, due to the dental and jaw manifestations.